LETTER: Adderall abuse a dangerous problem

Tuesday

Jan 31, 2012 at 12:01 AM

All I hear about lately is this “Adderall shortage” from my Adderall-addicted friends, whom I secretly refer to as “addericts.” A huge percentage of my peers take Adderall, and those who have been actually tested for it say they “know how to fail” to get the Adderall.

Maggie KesslerHoover

Dear Editor: All I hear about lately is this “Adderall shortage” from my Adderall-addicted friends, whom I secretly refer to as “addericts.” A huge percentage of my peers take Adderall, and those who have been actually tested for it say they “know how to fail” to get the Adderall.Two of the biggest reasons, besides studying, that most people take this drug is 1) for extra energy and 2) for weight loss. I have heard since I can remember, “Oh, your generation just takes a pill for everything.” It is true. Some people don’t even get out of bed when they take this pill each morning.Adderall has a high potential for abuse and addiction. It acts as does the serious drug, methylphenidate, and can cause seizures, heart attacks, high blood pressure, stroke and death. The risk for this is even higher when the product is being abused by someone who has not been prescribed it. The Adderall shortage is a problem for people who desperately need it, but those using it recreationally should solve their problems in a healthier way.